What is the story behind the Japanese cat?

The story behind the Japanese cat traces back to ancient folklore. In the tale, a cat saves the life of a samurai who turns out to be quite wealthy. To show his thanks, the man made a very generous donation to the temple. In Japanese culture, cat sculptures and figurines are symbols of good luck and known as “maneki-neko.” Find a range of Japanese decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Japanese Cat Statue

WARNING #47 – Kosuke, Photography, Art, Abstract, Black and White, Statue, Sky

By Kosuke Kawamura

Located in Zurich, CH

Kosuke (*1986, Japan) WARNING #47, 2012 Silver gelatin print Sheet 61 x 50.8 cm (24 x 20 in

Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Kosuke Kawamura
WARNING #47 – Kosuke, Photography, Art, Abstract, Black and White, Statue, Sky, 2012

Free Shipping

H 24.02 in W 20.01 in

Recent Sales

Large Heavy Bronze Sculpture Abstract Charger Ilana Goor

By Ilana Goor

Located in Surfside, FL

statues, Carnival Cruise Ships 2002 Eagle, statue, Marina, Herzliya, Israel 2007 Two cats on one bench

Category

20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Ilana Goor
Large Heavy Bronze Sculpture Abstract Charger Ilana Goor

H 2.5 in W 21 in D 21 in

Japanese Antique Stone Statue Maneki Neko 1800s-1860s / Beckoning Cat Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a very old Japanese stone statue of a beckoning cat. This stone statue dates from the Edo

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Japanese Antique Stone Statue Maneki Neko 1800s-1860s / Beckoning Cat Wabisabi

H 7.29 in W 3.94 in D 3.55 in

Japanese Old Clay Carving Cat 1940s-1960s / Mold Statue Wabi Sabi Scuplture

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is an old Japanese clay cat. This item is from the mid-Showa period (1940s-1960s). We assume

Category

Vintage 1940s Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Clay

Japanese Old Clay Carving Cat 1940s-1960s / Mold Statue Wabi Sabi Scuplture

H 16.93 in W 7.88 in D 10.63 in

Large Heavy Bronze Sculpture Abstract Charger Ilana Goor

By Ilana Goor

Located in Surfside, FL

statues, Carnival Cruise Ships 2002 Eagle, statue, Marina, Herzliya, Israel 2007 Two cats on one bench

Category

20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Ilana Goor
Large Heavy Bronze Sculpture Abstract Charger Ilana Goor

H 2.5 in W 21 in D 21 in

Pair of IMARI Cat Statues

Located in Sarasota, FL

Pair of new IMARI cat statues mid 1900's.

Category

20th Century Japanese Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of IMARI Cat Statues

H 13.5 in W 8 in D 6 in

SALE!! Pair of Foo Dog Lamps

Located in Atlanta, GA

Dogs, and karashishi (in Japan), they are used extensively in Asian art and sculpture. But the Lion of

Category

Vintage 1950s American Table Lamps

Materials

Iron, Silver Leaf

SALE!! Pair of Foo Dog Lamps

H 28 in W 14 in D 11 in

Pair of Foo Dog Lamps

Located in Atlanta, GA

Fu Dogs, Fo Dogs, and karashishi (in Japan), they are used extensively in Asian art and sculpture

Category

Vintage 1950s American Table Lamps

Materials

Iron, Silver Leaf

Pair of Foo Dog Lamps

H 30 in

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Questions About Japanese Cat Statue

What is the story behind the Japanese cat?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The story behind the Japanese cat traces back to ancient folklore. In the tale, a cat saves the life of a samurai who turns out to be quite wealthy. To show his thanks, the man made a very generous donation to the temple. In Japanese culture, cat sculptures and figurines are symbols of good luck and known as “maneki-neko.” Find a range of Japanese decorative objects on 1stDibs.